Understanding the Craftian Worlds **SPOILERS**
Territories and their Keepers...
Avalon is only a small slice of the realm known as Sythintall, a world parallel to ours. When humans crossed to this world they created what is now known as the chaos, a boundary wall made of raw energy in an effort to stop the realm's original inhabitants from rising against them.
Danika: Ruled by the Keeper known as Carnass, Danika sits towards the east of Avalon. This territory is one of the colder ones the further south you get, but remains a vibrant land with forestry and many friendly towns.
Esterbell: Ruled by the Keeper known as Bandaar, Esterbell sits towards the southeast of Avalon. While this territory is also known for its festivities, its ruler commands with an iron fist. Here is where you can find the ominously named forest known as the Bloodywood. Running north to south down the territory, the Bloodywood is where many of the more dangerous creatures and sprites have made their home. You can also find Maelin's bridge towards the south, your best bet if you wish to cross to the southern Outlands...venture here at your own risk. The icy mountains are beautiful, but they are deadly.
Cantor: Ruled by the Keeper known as Sika, Cantor sits towards the southwest of Avalon. While this is the coldest territory, it consists mostly of farmlands with the majority of Avalon's produce exported to the other territories from here.
Transum: Ruled by the mysterious shut-in known as Paladeen, Transum sits towards the west of Avalon. This is effectively the pleasure district and one of the warmest territories beside Fortus. Here the people dress in fine silks with mostly skin showing while spending their day's wage on drugs and booze. Need a tailor? Here is where you'll find the best that Avalon has to offer.
Fortus: Ruled by the Keeper known as Jaxum, Fortus sits towards the north of Avalon. Here the main city is forged of marble, with pristine streets and sleepy residents. This is the higher class territory, and they don't often tolerate travellers for longer than necessary. In the marble city you can find the great citadel, a temple dedicated to the Gods of this world. Towards the east along the east-western road, you will pass the weapons district, the Opal Mountains and Yatiken point, the watchtower overlooking the surrounding Outlands.
Politics
Humans Vs Gypsul
In Avalon, civil war has been brewing for around 3000 years. Since the arrival of the humans, the gypsul have been treated as a scourge, a threat and nothing more.
Some of the gypsul have risen up over the years, carrying out brutal, violent attacks on smaller settlements across the territories, further exacerbating the problem between the two species.
By the time Maya arrives, the chaos boundary surrounding Avalon has grown to an extent that more and more gypsul are being infected with the spirits trapped inside the void. Thus, the attacks become more frequent. War is imminent, with the humans hoping to extinguish the gypsul threat once and for all.
Keepers
The human keepers of each territory, the kings and queens, are banding together for the coming war, uniting their territories. However, not all Keepers wish to join the battle.
Keepers aren't elected in Avalon. The position is awarded to the strongest, those with contracts to higher level sprites and win their position. However, there are times when the position of Keeper is passed down from the current ruler to their strongest child, no matter their age or gender.
Elders
These are the oldest and most often wisest of the gypsul within each tribe. This is a given position, where someone may step up and take the responsibility if the people deem them worthy. There is often little competition for such a role, as the gypsul are inherently a peaceful race.
Gods & Sprites
SPRITES
There are three classes of sprite:
- Warkoon: Being the lowest class, Warkoons cannot manifest physically. As is the case with the other sprites, they are contracted, the cost of using their power being a little of the user's life-essence.
- Vasiba: Like the Warkoons, Vasiba cannot manifest physically. They, too, are contracted and demand a little life-essence in return for their power. These sprites are considerably stronger than the Warkoons, but weaker than Finkels.
- Finkel: These are the strongest of the sprite classes, and are the only ones with the ability to manifest physically. Finkels take on multiple forms, so you may come across them as cute or terrifying creatures.
GOURAM
These are the four Gods of Sythintall:
- Batshari: The Gouram of water. He is the grumpiest of the Gods, and has little time or patience for the human race.
- Svingora: Often described as the kindest of the Gods, Svingora is the Gouram of air.
- Pavinic: A tricky being for sure, but with a soft spot for both humans and gypsul alike. Pavinic is the Gouram of fire.
- Ragashi: The oldest and wisest of the four Gouram, Ragashi is the God of the earth element.
Hello!
Join the mailing list for news regarding books, giveaways and upcoming events! (typically 1 email per month or less)